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Is a degree always necessary?

Claire

A while ago I was with a group of HR professionals and one lady who had 20+yrs experience in HR, 16 of which was in an Officer or above role, asked for some advice about getting a new role.

Pretty straightforward you would think, but although she had diverse experience in both tasks and industries she didn't have a degree and as a single parent just would never find the money to get one. She wanted to apply for a role with a public service but they asked for two entries, 1. a degree with CIPD membership and two years relevant experience or 2. a degree, working towards Chartered Status and 4 years experience - it doesn't state what type of degree.

Everyone had a different opinion as to the best way forward, but collectively we didn't think there was much she could do in challenging the criteria - so what does everyone else think?

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  • I also feel there's a discrimination aspect here (generally, not in your specific case). There's a wealth of talent out there who haven't had the means to go to university and gain a degree but can definitely add value to a business. A previous employer would only employ from top universities and only those with a 2:1 or higher. The industry was supposed to be fast-paced, forward-thinking and new - there was absolutely no justification for only employing from that background. Luckily they're diversifying now I believe.
  • in reply to Meg
    It's certainly indirect age discrimination - while a high proportion of younger employees will have gone to university (42% of young adults who took A levels in 2014), a much smaller proportion of older employees will have had that opportunity (participation rate of 20% in 1995). So unless it's a genuine requirement, it's open to challenge.
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  • in reply to Meg
    It's certainly indirect age discrimination - while a high proportion of younger employees will have gone to university (42% of young adults who took A levels in 2014), a much smaller proportion of older employees will have had that opportunity (participation rate of 20% in 1995). So unless it's a genuine requirement, it's open to challenge.
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